Liberation: Episode Fifty-Five, December 1st, 2020

BACKSTAGE
The camera's focus on a crowd and pan to Kendrick sitting in a chair behind a table with a smirk on his face and him holding a microphone.

Kendrick Kross: Welcome to the press conference of Kendrick Kross. You know this still is some major bullshit. Me not being suspended or not, it all stays true Jade is a bitch and I shouldn’t be where I’m at on the card, she knows that.

Kendrick looks around as he leans back in his chair, the interviewers holding microphones.

Interviewer 1: What was with you calling Jade what you did and forcing her to suspend you?

Kendrick Kross: What was with me? The fact that everything I’ve said about her booking is true but she refused to admit it and still doesn’t want to. It’s not a coincidence about the booking. That’s what was with me.

Kendrick adjusts his position in his chair and leans forward.

Interviewer 2: So you think that the Liberty GM has it out for you?

Kendrick Kross: Not just me, for everyone that was on the GEW team. The only reason PPV isn’t on the preshow is because she’s the Anarchy Champion and Cole King isn’t in Liberty but if she were she would be here as well.

Interviewer 2: I don’t believe that to be real. Jade did say everyone would be on the preshow and it just happens you were.

Kendrick slams his fist down on the table that is in front of him as his face turns red.

Kendrick Kross: Yeah she did but as I said this isn’t a coincidence look at the damn preshow and who’s on it then use your damn common sense. Now, enough about her….ohh Kasey Kash.

Kendrick puts a smile on his face as he takes a breath and exhales.

Kendrick Kross: Kasey you’ve really ran your mouth about everything and how you can just beat me. You’re just gonna curb stomp me and it’s gonna be that easy. Oh how naive and idiotic you are.

Kendrick takes a drink of his water that is sitting next to him then continues.

Kendrick Kross: I truly don’t see a way that comes true. This isn’t just a match that is easy. Kasey you truly don’t know how much I’ve needed a win, how much I can’t lose this. You don’t understand the true magnitude of this match, don’t understand what this match truly does or doesn’t do for me. That’s exactly why seeing you say all the shit about how you have nothing and this is your life is funny because you still will have nothing. You will stay a low lying fruit tonight.

Kendrick slams the mic down as he gets up and walks off of the stage.

BACKSTAGE
Scotty Latimer is walking down the hall towards the ring.

Scotty Latimer: Main event of the preshow Jesus Christ I have reached the pinnacle right? You all remember me right? Yeah the guy that was the last man standing over Helena North representing GEW? And why was I representing GEW instead of Liberty? Because they showed me respect and don't put a guy at my level in the preshow. They didn't screw me out of my number 1 contendership getting me involved in brand supremacy I never once asked for, but I was happy assisting GEW in winning.

"Everyone talks about what now with the number 1 contenders spot now that Carmen Cambridge is hurt….it was never hers in the first place because I never lost it. I'm entitled to a one on one match and when I am ready I'll get it. Helena keeps saying I denied her challenge but the fact is its not on your terms champ, it's on my terms. So keep your mouth shut and think about what happened when you were alone with me in the ring. Because I know its eating at you. But first I have to get through Cait Flanagan."

"Cait Flanagan the former bottom bitch of Declan Black who has her own island or something off the coast of Australia. Who gives a shit. At least you'll have something nice to run back to after I leave you unconscious in the middle of the ring. You're getting in the ring with the King of Liberty Pro, and you will kneel to Latimer!"

Scotty shoves the camera away as the scene ends

BACKSTAGE
[As has become par for the course now, Alex Reeves stands backstage. Once again she’s already dressed for her match and is quite I to jump in as soon as she sees the light come on.]

Alex: “I know I’m supposed to talk about my match tonight but really, what is there to say? Brady is another cheap shot kid who thinks he can snatch an extra five minutes by antagonising people. Fact is he’s just a small part of the problematic culture here in Liberty and I’m going to make quick work of him.”

[Alex flips her hair back over her shoulder with a smile.]

Alex: “Anorexic blonde and annoying should definitely pay attention to this one - it’ll be just a tiny preview of what’s in store for her when we get to face off. Unlike the so-called names people are vying to go to bat for? I’m here to earn every shot I get and you best believe me when I say, this match doesn’t move me any closer to my goal, but I’ll enjoy stomping him into to mat all the same.”

[And with that, Alex dismisses the cameraman.]

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens up to Jade Night in her office on the phone, talking over some business matters that appear to have frustrated her, when she suddenly hears a knock at the door.

Jade Night: Ugh. Someone is at my door. I’ll call you back.

She hung up the phone and it was clear that all she really wanted was an excuse to get off of it.

Jade Night: Come in.

The door slowly opens and Jade's face turns red almost immediately. The camera zooms in on black boots and moves up the leg of the woman in question, showing fishnets covering pale legs, all the way up to her black skirt. The camera moves quicker now, finally making it to the smirking face of Jade's new advisor, Ava Ryan.

Ava Ryan: Hey. What's going on?

Before Jade can answer, Ava walks over to her desk and picks up the stack of papers on it and looks them over, straightening them out before sitting them back down.

Ava Ryan: Important paperwork I see? So, what can I do to help? I know I don't have any real 'power' per se, but I've been negotiating to bring someone over and if I can reach the terms he wants, I think Nathan will approve it. So I'm doing my best to bring talent in, but I want to assist you however I can.

Jade slams her hand down on the stack of important paperwork as her eyes seer right into Ava’s with anger.

Jade Night: What you can do is stop trying to go over my head to do things. It doesn’t matter if Nathan approves of whomever you speak of either because I make the decisions here.

Jade stands up from the desk and shakes her head.

Jade Night: What is it that you really want? To get Xavier a shot at Helena? Maybe Scotty? Or Kendrick? So on and so forth?

Ava holds her hands up innocently but can't contain her smirk, despite her best attempts to appear genuine.

Ava Ryan: I'm not here to put anyone in any position, I just wanted to help relieve some of the pressure of your job. I ran a poll earlier today in the building and the fans feel like, by an overwhelming amount, that you are operating with personal vendettas and grudges at the forefront of your decision making. So I thought I could...

Jade pounds her desk and the blonde jumps a bit and takes a step back.

Ava Ryan: Fine, no more talk about my poll. But what about my debut? You were quick to make that match. You aren't up to anything, are you?

Jade Night: I booked the card the way I did because I knew they’d cry and so would you. And was I wrong? Instead of taking action, you all bitch and moan and cry wolf instead of trying to move on. I’m sick of it. But at least PPV has made amends with me and we turned the page. So don’t act like I can’t work things out.

Jade shrugs then furrows her brow at Ava’s last comment.

Jade Night: And me up to no good?

She chuckles.

Jade Night: Far from it. I could say the same thing to you though.

Ava Ryan: Listen, I'm here FOR YOU. For Liberty. Whether you like it or not, we're in this together.

Ava pulls up a chair from the opposite side of Jade's desk and moves it right next to Jade's chair.

Ava Ryan: Now, why don't we look over these papers together, and maybe we should work on a stipulation for my match? To make sure everything is on the straight and narrow?

Her tone of voice was more than enough to get under Jade's skin as Ava sits on her chair and kicks her black boots up and onto the desk of Night!

Jade shoves Ava’s boots down off the desk and scoffs.

Jade Night: Mind your manners! Just because...

Jade pauses and takes a deep breath before leaning down, coming face to face with Ava.

Jade Night: You might think I’m a naive woman with a temper but you have no idea the things I’ve experienced nor the things I’ve been through. I’ve been through hell and back and don’t you think for a minute that I’d let some brat like you walk all over me.

She leaned closer, making Ava incredibly uncomfortable as she smirked.

Jade Night: I know who you, Ava, and let me make it clear to you... It doesn’t phase me. So tread lightly.

Ava Ryan: You know who I am? Really?

The blonde slowly stands up and takes a few steps back.

Ava Ryan: If you do, why haven't you told anyone? And if you do, then you know that I'm not going anywhere. This match between me and Reeves at the next show? I want a hand in choosing the match type. And Jade?

The formerly mild mannered advisor pauses, her lips twisting as her eyes lower on Jade Night.

Ava Ryan: Don't you ever touch me again. That isn't a threat.

Realizing she was getting a bit worked up with the cameras on, she adjusts the sleeves on her leather jacket and forces a smile.

Ava Ryan: Call me if you need anything.

Jade laughs and shakes her head.

Jade Night: I don’t need to answer you but I have my reasons.

Jade then points to the door.

Jade Night: We’ll talk about your match later. Now get out of my office.

Ava lowers her head, shaking it a bit before the punk rock styled young woman makes her exit, leaving Jade alone in the office, and leaving the fans wondering...just who is Ava Ryan?

BACKSTAGE
Sparrow: Some wrestlers would feel a bit of disrespect if an opponent they had in one match spit in they direction, after effectively handin’ them the match. As if to say, ‘you shouldn’t have won’ in which case you might think to yaself, ‘well I ain’t really ask for the assist’? Some wrestlers...Might feel a bit of disrespect if, everythin’ they do is cardio based, focused....Day in and day out in the gym...And the opponent in question, their answer to that...Is double dutch with a child I suppose. Some wrestlers...Some wrestlers might feel so, Donovan.



Mighty Sparrow, the 2020 winner of the King of New York Battle Royale is standing by and pulling up his kickpads. A small crown has been added to the left kickpad, as if to signify this very shocking success. Very likely if he were to ever see his hands on the Gotham championship, there’s probably going to be a Batfamily logo somewhere next. We’ll get to that. From the way he immediately sounds, it might be like he would come down on Donovan for these two notable things. Instead...

Instead the Trinidadian wrestler rolls his shoulders and shakes his head.

Sparrow: ...But me I don’t. Because what I take into consideration when all of that is added together, is at the end of the day you brethren are a father, and as far as I might tell, tryna be the best father possible to ya child. So...Let we run this back. I’ve watched you face Kasey...And I watched you face Brady and there’s been a common link here. You always...Always take early domination, early leading and all that...Then as quick as ya could say Jack Robinson? Malicious Intent. Aussie Knee Party. I ain’t even gonna bring up the battle royale because until Kings & Queens I never won one yet. You fight on this love...This love and this dedication for a child and I admire it. I speak as a man who never knew my birth parents, y’know. Put me up for adoption quick. So to see you step up, rather than step out? Ey. Say less.

Sparrow opens his arms out wide, extending them and raising his shoulders as if to say what more could you do to describe Donovan at a level of dedication in trying to be a family man. His arms slowly begin to drop down to his sides however and Sparrow’s face faults.

Sparrow: Now...Can that be enough, tonight? That’s the big question. Can you get out of ya head fast enough, has double dutch and circumstance paid off enough to put’m down? I dunno ya know. Speakin’ as the other guy, I dunno. I want to root for you Donovan, but we all got mouths to feed. May not be sons and daughters but everyone in their life has someone they fightin’ for. See you out there.

RINGSIDE
'Your Favorite Drug' by Porcelain and The Tramps hit the sound system, filling the air with that damn near hypnotic harmony it carried with it. Those black velvet curtains were thrown open as none other than 'YOUR Favorite Drug' Xavier Laroux emerged from the back. All dressed down from his preshow match earlier in the evening, Laroux wore a pair of black denim jeans and an unbuttoned black shirt over that white tanktop.

A microphone in hand, Xavier headed straight for the ring, being out here for one thing and one thing only: meeting with Jade Night. After getting about half way down the ramp, Xavier was attacked from behind by Jacob Daniels and Chase Hunter: The Pride. Laroux tried to fight back but they eventually got the best of him.

Chase and Daniels both grabbed him by the throat before lifting him up and drilling him down onto that steel entrance ramp with a Double Chokeslam! They stood tall over the fallen Xavier as Jade Night made her way out from the back, microphone in her hand and a look of pure satisfaction on her face. She joined Daniels and Chase, standing above Xavier.

Jade Night: You didn't think I was ACTUALLY going to listen to what you had to say..did you?

The silence from Xavier caused her to laugh out, taking the opportunity to kick Xavier in the ribs while he was down.

Jade Night: There is -nothing- you can say that even slightly matters to me, trash. Nothing you can do matters to me. YOU don't matter to me.

Her words dripped with malice and hatred towards the fallen Laroux. She stomped across the back of Xavier as he tried to get back up.

Jade Night: And as much as you don't matter to me, you're still right there. You just..won't..go..away. But that's okay. That's okay because after next week..you're -going- to go away. Pick him up.

Daniels and Hunter grabbed up the arms of Xavier, damn near ripping him up off of the ramp. They held him up, forcing his head to stay pointed at Jade as she continued to speak.

Jade Night: Next week it will be Jacob Daniels and Chase Hunter, The Pride and they'll be facing you, Xavier and a partner of your choosing. BUT..I have to warn everyone. If any one of you back there gets the bright idea of playing hero and teaming with this trash? There will be severe consequences.

As those last words rolled off of Jade's tongue, she violently smashed the bottom of that microphone into the head of Xavier, opening a gash above his right eye. Despite being almost unconscious from that shot, Daniels and Chase wouldn't let him fall.

Jade Night: I'll see you next week.

She gave Daniels a nod as he gave one to Chase. The two of them grabbed him by the throat once again before drilling Xavier into that steel with a second Double Chokeslam. Clearly proud with their work, the three of them walked back up the ramp, leaving the bloodied Xavier laid out on the ramp.

BACKSTAGE
The stark white of a fresh canvas awaits the first stroke. This blank space represents infinite potential. One day, it may become anything. That is until the beginnings of a big full-length portrait of a woman takes shape.

The subject does not move, her face tranquil as she sits on a stool in the locker room. Presence radiates from her as she dazzles in another Danger and Play original.

“I'm starting to find this fun,” came a smiling voice at the easel. Kaia Granger looks around at Precious Pepper Vain, matching her smile.

Kaia Granger: The sketch or in general?

PPV: In general.

Criss-crossed over her chest like bandoleers of ammunition, are the LPW Anarchy & Valiant Lionheart Championship belts. Whilst one arm holds them steady, the other splendidly captures Kaia’s image in graphite.

The Danger and Play girls both enjoyed some of their biggest victories of their young careers at Kings & Queens of New York.

With another supershow on the horizon, the Anarchy champion and United States champion enjoy some brief downtime. They will soon have to defend their respective crowns, and the pair were looking forward to it.

Modelling for PPV’s drawing, Kaia sits with a regal grace, her belt glittering proudly on her shoulder.

Kaia Granger: I know what you mean. Almost as if things are falling into place.

PPV: For you most of all. Beating Reeves is a nice feather in your cap, y’know. Most successful Liberty champion ever and all. Be honoured by your victory. You’re gonna have a lot of eyes on you for your next defence.

Kaia Granger: I am honoured! It’s been frustrating not getting to defend my title, but that win meant a lot to me. And now I get to watch my next challenger up close later. How’ve you been preparing for tonight?

Precious did not move for a second, staring at her sketch. Then she tilted her head to the side, like a bird watching a snake.

PPV: Oh, you know, the usual, fraud, racketeering, money-laundering, the occasional heist…

Kaia chuckles with a slight shake of her head.

Kaia Granger: Of course, you couldn’t leave it at having a sweatshop, could you. How far are you gonna go?

PPV: Dare to dream! I could build D&P into a worldwide company. Then I’ll sell my stock to fund a mercenary army and take over a small Third World country.

She taps the side of her temple with a single digit.

PPV: Just cos everyone else thinks small doesn’t mean we have to.

Kaia laughs, but doesn’t take long to gather her poise once again.

Kaia Granger: Sounds violent. Seeking a life of pampering isn’t on the cards for you anytime soon.

PPV: Is it for you?

Kaia scoffs.

Kaia Granger: No. To begin with if we wanted to be pampered we wouldn’t be here. Jade isn’t the pampering type.

PPV: Exactly. It’s not like we’re part time Gotham champions like Cerrano. Dude is off the card AGAIN and no one will care. But I love people misreading me. Some people just don’t know how to stop.

Kaia Granger: War Games, you mean?

Building up the shape of Kaia’s captured figure, PPV nods.
PPV: Whenever Noir popped on social media, she and Jade loved to sound like a pair of old crones talking about their neighbours. They weren’t alone though. Some took us far too lightly. Others pushed above their station. On the words went in a waterfall of voices. There was a lot of back and forth. A lotta talk. And War Games was the last word on that front. That was us having the last word. We knew so long as we won there wasn't going to be anything to talk about. When being too cocky backfires, that’s what happens.

Kaia Granger: Think our challengers will learn that come the Supershow?

Unlike Kaia, Precious already knew her challenger for the show. MWE’s International Champion in Megan Monroe. She narrows her eyes.

PPV: We’ll see. I ain’t giving her excuses though. First is Nathalie, then we go from there.

Kaia smirks.

Kaia Granger: Of course. Don’t scrunch up your eyes too much or you’ll muck up your drawing!

PPV: Hush, you.

BACKSTAGE
The dust had barely settled on the attack on Xavier Laroux when Jade had made it back to her office, to find her new advisor, Ava Ryan sitting on her desk when she walks in.

Ava Ryan: What the HELL was that? You know how highly I think of Xavier, and you're going to pull that kind of shit?

As Jade walks over and challenges the rebellious blonde with her eyes, Ava puts a finger up, still sitting on the desk.

Ava Ryan: How are we supposed to work together when you pull stuff like that? I'm telling the talent to trust me, let me help them and we'll avoid things like THAT. Can you expect anyone to want to work with either of us, if you go around doing that?

Clearly worked up, Ava takes a deep breath.

Ava Ryan: He's not fighting The Pride on his own next show. I won't let that happen.

Jade scoffs and rolls her eyes.

Jade Night: He will do what he has to do and there is nothing you can do about it. What happens with Xavier in Liberty Pro? It is officially MY business. You got that?

Jade leans over the front of her desk and stares daggers into Ava with those dark brown eyes of hers.

Jade Night: Now is your temper tantrum done or should I call Jacob and Chase to handle you too?

Seeing what they did earlier, Ava wasn't going to fight back on this one. At least not now. She leans back a bit and holds both hands up.

Ava Ryan: You don't need to call them on me. Not sure that would be in your best interest either, you know, with who I am and all.

Having something in her back pocket with that last comment, she stares back at Jade directly.

Ava Ryan: Xavier trusts me. He doesn't trust you, so his business is OUR business. If it means I have to step in the ring alongside him myself at the next show...

She immediately regrets saying so, but puts on her most intimidating stare back and sticks her chest out a bit.

Ava Ryan: I won't let him fight alone. That isn't how talent should be treated, especially someone with the potential to do great things for this company like him. Jacob and Chase? Maybe you should let me hand out their punishment for going along with such a ridiculous and business altering plan...

Jade laughs as she shakes her head.

Jade Night: Their punishment?

She laughs again.

Jade Night: Chase and JD will not be punished. They not only are the future of our tag division, but they are my personal security team. You will do nothing of the sort and to even suggest something like? Is foolish. Now mind your business like a good girl and go focus on your future match with Alex Reeves, who is going to absolutely destroy you if you don't.

Ava finally puts her feet to the floor and hops off the desk.

Ava Ryan: Yeah. Like that one is going to be fair either, huh?

She looks at Jade with contempt in her eyes as Jade doesn't move a muscle, standing her own ground. Ava finally walks around Jade and towards the door.

Ava Ryan: You won't keep getting away with this. I see me being your advisor has done nothing, so maybe this role isn't best for me? But what I can promise? I will kick Alex's ass next week, and then after that? I'll make sure you stop picking on talent who don't kiss yours. Anything else before I go...'boss'?

Jade shrugs.

Jade Night: I suppose just one last thing.

Jade comes face to face with Ava and she whispers in her ear.

Jade Night: Tread lightly.

She leans back with a sinister smile on her face before shooing her away.

Jade Night: Now be gone.

Ava grabs the doorknob and slowly twists it.

Ava Ryan: We'll see about treading lightly. But you have a great rest of your night.

With sarcasm in her voice, she pulls the door open and then slams it as hard as she can in a fit as she storms out of the office.

RINGSIDE
The feed is interrupted by static for several seconds before clips flicker across the screen: tanks rolling through a dilapidated city, Reagan and Thatcher’s waltz, burning buildings, Obama at his inauguration, drones flying over desert, Kylie Jenner on the red carpet, a single raised fist. As the clip fades to black, six white letters become clear: ROTTEN.

“Is she really going out with him?”

As the drums of The Damned’s “New Rose” pound, Oliver Thurston-Knott walks out onto the stage to a chorus of boos. He is soon flanked by Rory and Micaela but the other members of ROTTEN are nowhere to be seen on this occasion. OTK is wearing a black hoodie and jeans but Rory and Micaela are dressed in their standard ring attire. The trio saunter down the ramp and climb into the ring as the music fades. OTK produces a microphone and clears his throat.

OTK: Good evening. It seems our demonstration at the last event was successful. Liberty wanted to deplatform ROTTEN and silence our message but we forced their hand and tonight, my comrades are scheduled to face “The Pride” in a tag team match. ROTTEN is back on your television screens. You’re probably thinking Rory and Micaela won’t bother wrestling for this disgusting promotion after we were assaulted by “security” during a peaceful protest.

He looks to Rory and then Micaela, his smile widening.

OTK: But they will wrestle. They will wrestle because they have made the conscious choice to wrestle, not because Jade Night thinks this match enhances the product. They will wrestle to make an example of the compliant “Pride” of Liberty. While ROTTEN had to fight to be heard at Kings and Queens of NY, “The Pride” licked enough boots for a nice spot on the card. We will never fall in line, we rise up against the bourgeoisie and the scum that blindly defends them.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage we find Mimi Smith at the Liberty Pro show dressed in the Liberty Pro yellow in a two piece cheerleader outfit. Joining her is the Smith in action; her cousin, Honey! Honey's got her hair tied into a low ponytail, wearing a pair of gloves that vanish into the sleeves of her body suit. Most of her body's covered in a sleek ring attire, except a shirt she’s wearing over her gear that says “Derrick’s Teamie” and her ring boots tied tight in a neon pink lace design.

Honey Smith: I'm very excited to see my buddies in the ring again with Derrick. I'm sure he'll be a terrific teamie tonight.

Honey then pulls out of her backpack two protein shaker bottles, both neon pink and containing a berry blend smoothie with Honey decorating them to feature the Space Jam's Secret Stuff sticker on each bottle with their respective names

Honey Smith: I hope he enjoys our pre-match drinks.

Honey then gets on a slight angry face as she shakes Derrick's drink while Mimi rolls her eyes.

Mimi Smith: Now I should have got him a soda..

As she watches Honey shake the drink rather violently considering Honey's sweet demeanor.

Honey Smith: Hmmm?

Mimi Smith: Nothing, Cuz.

Derrick walks in carrying his Liberty in the Bank “Championship” briefcase, and wearing an ill fitting shirt that matches the one Honey is wearing. The “Honey’s Teamie” shirt is about 2 sizes too small, coming in at a snug medium, even though he’s clearly like Husky XXL. He looks like he’s wearing a crop top, as he tries to stretch the collar and the shirt to fit him a little better. Mimi giggles as Honey seems completely oblivious to the fact that the shirt is way too small.

Mimi Smith: Hey, Bam Bam!

Derrick La’Bell: Y’all know I’m not a Shmedium, right? Like this shirt does NOT fit me. I don’t know how I’m going to wrestle in this thing without tearing it. I gotta cut the sleeves off or some-

Honey looks at Derrick with a bit of a pouty face at the sound of cutting or tearing the shirt she got him. More of the room unfolds with Honey making a long paper banner where she'd cut out each character that features a few characters from the show, but she brings him a small spoon in a protective glass casing.

Honey Smith: To show you I'm a good teamie and, like, a good um, cousin-in-relationship-law-thing.

Honey pauses a little confused at her amalgamation of in-law and boyfriend-girlfriend status.

Honey Smith: But I got you some good stuff with Cousin Mimi. UM, she said you liked little spoons, maybe you collect them and stuff so I got you a collectable one, although you can still eat your cheerios for breakfast with it if you really want to!

Derrick La’Bell: I didn’t know we were getting each other so many gifts! I would’ve gotten you something had I known what you had planned. I didn’t even know Mimi was going to be here!

Mimi Smith: I thought I'd go out there tonight as Team Big N' Sweet's official cheerleader. Goooooo Bam Bam and Honey.

Honey Smith: Um, why is Derrick called Bam Bam?

Mimi Smith: Well you know how Bam Bam in the Flintstones ca-

Before Derrick covers Mimi's mouth, frantically to stop her. Honey still stands confused with her question unanswered, but Derrick strays her attention back to the match.

Derrick La’Bell: I’m called Bam Bam, because it’s the noise my fists make when I knock guys out in MMA. Speaking of knocking people out, are you excited to bust out some of the new moves we practiced this past week?

Honey Smith: I think our super secret tag team moves will be great too! You never know, maybe Liberty Pro will make us an official tag team like Coda and I were.

Honey then grinds her toes of her foot into the ground a little.

Honey Smith: I haven't been the Liberty Pro tag team champions either.

Mimi Smith: Maybe

Derrick La’Bell: I’m down to be an official tag team! How cool would it be if you and I ended up winning the Tag Championships, I cashed in my briefcase to become Liberty Pro Champion, and you ended up winning the U.S or Gotham Championship? We could hold all the gold!

Honey and Derrick fan girl for a moment thinking of Team Big N Sweets winning all of the gold. As they day dream, Mimi interrupts them and offers the pair their shakes.

Mimi Smith: That sounds great guys, but these are starting to melt! So drink up, team.

Honey pops the cap off hers after she clinks glasses with Derrick. Derrick's completely flabbergasted by how Honey starts chugging the drink fast, and quickly plays catch up. By the time Honey's finished, Derrick's got a quarter of his down. She sighs loudly and wipes her mouth with a napkin.

Honey Smith: Ok! Let's go!

Honey then jolts off as Derrick just finishes his drink and offers Mimi an opportunity to hop[ on his back for a piggyback ride. Mimi leaps on his back, and kisses Derrick on the cheek as he walks out the door behind Honey.

BACKSTAGE
The camera sees Brianna Leigh Clark, already in her gear with a branded t-shirt on, two interlocking D’s across the chest, and she’s walking with a purpose - right past the camera. A few steps further and she pauses, looks over her shoulder and rounds, coming to stand in front of it. A serious look on her face broken slightly by the grin that keeps trying to come to her lips before she speaks, pointing her finger at the lens.

Brianna Clark: I’m not wrong when I call her Glory Hog Liz Jones. Might not be polite, but I’m not wrong. I’m sure everyone saw how our match went, how I was the one to pin Leo and she kept Terry back. Not to mention how she acted after… and it’s funny isn’t it? How when she got all pissy about the way GEW and so on looked at the results of Kings & Queens of New York. Claiming that she won. Not ‘our team won’. She won. Think about that awhile Liz, or don’t. I’m sure you’re gonna do your usual Twitter Bitcharella act after and try and roast everything I’ve said. Just remember I’m not wrong, and trust me. I’m not the only one that sees it. Questions more than a few things. But you do you, that’s what you do best! Me? I trust that Kaia’s going to keep her word and call this match fair and square, right down the middle. That no matter who walks out of this as her new Number One Contender, they’ll have earned it in the ring. Where it matters.

A nod that makes her double braids bounce and she relaxes her stance just a bit to pace in the hall, making sure she’s not in anyone’s way.

Brianna Clark: You like that though, getting on Twitter and flexing. Good for you! It won’t change how well you wrestle, and honestly isn’t that what you should be focused on? Shifting gears, because I’m really not into the whole idea that I need to out talk you to kick your ass. I can safely say that we all want this shot at a shot. I know Julio does, I know you do, despite yourself. I definitely do, because of what it represents. Progress. A chance to show what I can really do, a chance to face a respectful opponent.

Her grin breaks free then, a hint of excitement shines in her eyes as she ceases the pacing and puts her hands on her hips.

Brianna Clark: So yeah. It matters to me, Julio. It matters to me, Liz. It falls on me to prove that it means more to me than it does to either of you, too.

She stalks away, but says one more thing over her shoulder.

Brianna Clark: That means I need to be better tonight than Lizzie Jones and Julio Banks while they try to knock me down and take this opportunity. I like my odds, I really do.

BACKSTAGE
Coral and Nami, the Girls of Summer are chatting away, checking their makeup and ring gear as the cameraman they asked for politely knocks on the doorframe to announce his arrival. Nami startles and Coral’s eyes go very, very wide.

Nami: Holy shit sis, this one has manners! Can we keep him? Can he be our personal camera guy?

Coral shakes herself out of the startled reaction and nods her head.

Coral: I don’t see why not? You there, from now on, you come find us whenever we’ve got a match. Tell your boss that’s your new assignment and not to worry. What’s your name?

There’s a soft mumble, and the Girls laugh but Nami cuts hers off short.

Nami: Well I like that, Calvin. Were you named after the President or the comic… you know what never mind. Never mind. We’ve got a match ahead of us, against our old friend Honey and Derrick La’Bell who seems to sort of flip flop from having great skill and common sense to whatever it was he was doing on Twitter this week and uh… no. No, bro. Just no.

Coral: While we don’t doubt that your team will do okay, because frankly? Honey can work with anybody, she’s very versatile and you know for a fact that we don’t hand out compliments… kind of at all… so you know we mean it. Relish this moment!

Nami: We like Honey. You… ehh? But don’t worry. We’re going to go out there and show off! We’re going to really get the fans lucky enough to attend this Liberty show live up on their feet and enjoying themselves, because no matter what you say Derrick? This is Endless Summer and you better get your sunscreen and board shorts ready.

The two shoot each other a look and then burst out laughing again.

Coral: God Nami that was hella awful, don’t do that again.

The pair high five and head out, the camera following them for a bit before it cuts away.

BACKSTAGE
As the cameraman makes his way through the halls, he comes upon none other that TJ Techniques. The number one contender to the Gotham Championship is seen bouncing in place as he attempts to keep himself loose ahead of tonight's match with Tamsin. TJ continues his warm up until the cameraman catches his attention.

Cameraman: TJ!

TJ turns towards the cameraman and nods his head upward.

TJ Techniques: What it is, man?

Cameraman: I was wondering if we could get some thoughts on your match tonight?

TJ gives the camera a slight smirk.

TJ Techniques: Thoughts? You want some thoughts? Here are my thoughts, man....

He rubs his hands before continuing.

TJ Techniques: You know, you look at wrestling, right? You take a look at the landscape of wrestling over these past few years and what do you got? You got cliques, right? Cliques. Factions. Stables. Whatever you wanna call it, you got a group of likeminded people that dominate the industry. You've got a collection of people that roll four, five, six deep... that makes their presence felt in this business. Two years ago, it was all about the Dogs of War and their 900 members. Last year, it was all about the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad, right? But this year? 2020? There's one group that has separated themselves from the rest. There is one group that has established themselves as THE force to be reckoned with. Of course, I'm talking about Nachthexen. At the head of the pack... at the center of that coven is my opponent here tonight.

He continues.

TJ Techniques: Now TJ Techniques? There's no punk in him whatsoever. But when I saw that card and I saw the name that mine's opposite of, I had to take a step back and go "...oh okay... alright... your gonna have to scrap to pull this one out." I've got no problem keeping it real. I've got no problem giving it up. From what I've seen, Tamsin is every bit as good as she says she is. You know, it's one thing to talk shit. Anybody can talk shit. Even you.

TJ gestures to the cameraman.

Cameraman: Me?

TJ Techniques: Yes, especially you. BUT... it's another thing to go out there and back it up week after week, month after month, from company to company. She isn't someone that's taking advantage of inferior competition in some hole in the wall company. She's out here gettin busy in some of the biggest feds today. Tamsin will go head to head against whatever big name in wrestling you wanna come up with. She's shown you that she can get the job done. She's with the shits and you gotta respect that. You just gotta. You may not like it. You may not like her. But you gotta give it up and give the respect where it's due. I've been in the ring with the Michael Kelly's, the Lowri Moss' and the Dante Cutler's of the world, just to name a few. These are people that me and many others hold in high regard. But as good as they are, Tamsin may just be a cut above even them. Which means I'm gonna have to raise my level and up my game. That means I gotta be on point out there. No slip ups. No slacking. But fighting a great fight to beat a great opponent. That's something that I intend to do. That's something that I will do.

A beat.

TJ Techniques: You see the respect that I'm showing my opponent right now? You see the admiration, the acknowledgment? Cool. Question for you. Tell me, has my opponent reciprocated that energy? Of course not. But that's just the name of the game for TJ Techniques here in Liberty Pro, now isn't it? Mockery. Ridicule. Very little acknowledgement. Little to no respect. You've seen it from my opponent. You've seen it from Freddie. We don't even need to touch on that bitchmade Gotham Champion of yours because he's no my champion. He's been defending that title against everybody but me and I was named #1 contender to that belt months ago. So all this disrespect towards me? The disregard? The ridicule? That shits about to come to an end and it all starts tonight when I put one of the biggest names in the game down for the count. Is that bold of me to say? Hell yeah. Am I talking spicy? Absolutely. Now ask me if I care. Ask me if I regret it, because I don't. I've got everything to gain and nothing to lose out there tonight. If I lose, it's the expected result. To the casual fan, to the dickriders on Wrestling Twitter, who is TJ Techniques to Tamsin anyway, right? But if I win? I get the clout that comes with beating someone of her caliber. I get the boost that comes with beating someone of her resumé. I get the momentum from beating one of the best in the game. Momentum that I will use to push myself towards my rightful shot at the Gotham Championship. Now peep that.

BACKSTAGE
Deep in the back of the Hammerstein, the cameras pick up on Tamsin as she’s making her arrival to the show. However, something is a little off with what the Liberty crew captures of the returning wrestler. She’s not alone, but there’s no Nachthexen backing her up as she’s pulling the handle of her luggage through.

No, Tamsin looks to be having an exchange with a suited man walking adjacent with her. Bringing up the rear is a mountain of a man, suited himself and wearing an earpiece and a nasty looking scowl on his face. The camera doesn’t pick up much audio - but it appears that she’s going over strategy with the unknown gentlemen as they pass right by the crew in route to the dressing rooms.

BACKSTAGE
Aaaaand it’s backstage time, with Dante Chapel on standby!

Dante: “Please welcome my guest at this time, it’s Lizzie Jones.”

He motions to his side and the camera pans a tad. Lizzie walks into view, then grabs his microphone.

Lizzie: “Did you really just introduce me with my own twitter @?”

Dante tries to reply, but she cuts him off.

Lizzie: “No, no, did you think it was funny? Hmm? Stealing my words?”

Again, he tries, but she isn’t listening.

Lizzie: “It’s bad enough you’re only half as good at this job as I was, don’t try to imitate me too. Now, ask your questions.”

She slams the mic back into his grip and waits. When he doesn’t ask immediately, she glares.

Dante: “I’m… the people are wondering what your thoughts are about tonight’s match?”

She sighs.

Lizzie: “Are they? Jesus, at least make the question from you. YOU are wondering my thoughts. To answer you, so I can get away sooner rather than later, my thoughts are simple; this is my first sniff at a title match since my return. So far in my career, I won two titles. Not bad for a year in the ring, but after a couple of years away my hunger is larger than ever. I’m about to be like a fat bitch at a buffet, and it doesn’t matter who I’m against. Tonight it happens to be Julio and Brianna, but they’re just the fodder. This is my night, and Kaia will get to see it up close - again.”

Dante clears his throat, he decides to press on.

Dante: “The winner of tonight’s bout will, of course, go on to face Kaia herself for that US title of hers…”

Lizzie sarcastically claps him, a hearty well done for stating the obvious. He’s undeterred, though.

Dante: “...some might think, after your recent actions toward her, she might be hoping you win.”

Lizzie: “What? I don’t care, her opinion means nothing. If she’s pulling on the stripes and promising to be fair, she can’t have bias. Are you accusing our esteemed champion here?”

She never lets him actually get a word in.

Lizzie: “That’s disgusting. I would never suggest she is rooting for me to win anymore than I’d mention she could be going out there hoping to ensure I don’t. These are serious accusations, Dante, and really...you should be ashamed, it’s shocking behavior from you. I hope you take a moment to reflect on this and be better.”

And with that said, she walks away before he can do anything, leaving him frustrated in her wake...

BACKSTAGE
As the cameras enter the backstage area we find an unfamiliar site, a female referee stands with their back to the camera, until we see a further inspection of the outfit as a faux leather jacket is lifted over the shoulders and tendrils of brown hair fall over top of it, the hair swaying enough to make out the glittering lettrs of “The Lightbringer”. As she tuns we see Kaia Grainger herself as he hoists up her US Championhip onto her shoulders and smiles.

Kaia Grainger: “Its funny looking back to Resurrection, the night where I had to fight no only one, but two matches to secure this beautiful prize. There were no number one contenders, no rightful claimants to wear it around their waist, instead there was just four competitors who wanted a chance to win this. Lucky for me, I worked hard, I trained my ass off, and became the one who took it home in the end.”

She pauses momentarily now letting the midriff referee shirt she wore be displayed for a moment before smiling.

Kaia Grainger: “Tonight seems very much like that same scenario. You might try and say that there are only three competitors competing, but there is no one and I mean NO ONE on this Liberty Pro Roster who wants to take this title and exude it to the highest of heights. I, of course, haven’t had a chance to defend my title just yet, but that hasn’t stopped me from heading out to the ring at every opportunity and proving exactly why I am the one with this belt around her waist. So there are very much four competitors entering that ring tonight, but there is only one who is going to enter as the US Champion.”

She smiles again before licking her lips and continue.

Kaia Grainger: “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to see just who out of the three competitors who have made a claim for my prize actually gets to shoot their shot when it comes to Festivus For the Rest Of Us. I know each of you has made it perfectly clear that you want it. Lizzie through lets call it a cloud trick. . . Julio after our tag match together, and Brianna through your continuous hard work and determination, but its my turn to make something perfectly clear. While I admire all of your efforts and will call this match completely fair. By the time we do reach the stage where my title is on the line, I will make sure it remains so.”

She grows serious for a moment, probably the most serious we’ve ever seen her in truth, before she steps forward.

Kaia Grainger: “Let's not spoil all the fun we’ll have though shall we? There’s a light that needs revealed to find just who deserves to contend, and until then.”

She take a rag and wipes at her title, as if to polish it.

Kaia Grainger: “We’ll just count on this to gleam.”

With a wink she steps out of the scene looking to make her way to the ring.

BACKSTAGE
We cut to backstage at the Hammerstein Ballroom, more specifically the locker room of Tyson Gregory who is seen leaning back in one of the oversized lockers. He’s already in his ring gear with a black shirt that reads #OVERRATED on the front. He runs his hand through his damp hair and smiles at the camera.

Tyson Gregory: So tonight I finally get my chance at the Liberty Pro Championship. Finally giving Helena a worthy opponent that she can’t take lightly like she has with all of the pretenders to the crown that have stepped up previously. Yes, more specificity I’m talking about people who have had their chance like Xavier or refuse to step up despite having a championship match offered to them on a silver platter like Scotty. But it’s a horrible messed up cluster at the top. Add in the whole crap with Jade and Ava and it’s like Liberty Pro enjoys chaos just as much as I do.

He just smirks a bit.

Tyson Gregory: Last time we faced Noir, I told you straight up that I wasn’t going to be a challenger like you’ve faced before. That I was going to step up and figuratively and metaphorically punch you in the mouth and I did just that. You see, with that whole GEW and Liberty crap, you let yourself get sucked in and played out. You’ve gotten soft and people see that. Much like you said this week that you made a mistake last time we met, getting distracted by outside factors and taking the match too lightly. It’s always nice to hear a champion taking any match lightly, let alone against a former world champion and someone that is on the level that I am. That’s just stupid on you and double stupid for saying so. But you know, no one has ever said they enjoy how smart Noir is.

He shrugs a bit, pushing himself up from his leaning position.

Tyson Gregory: I say that only because you said before you made the mistake of letting outside shit get to you and in your head and you’re doing the same exact shit this go around. Look how deep into the Jade and Ava shit storm you are in. You just don’t learn that well do you? So, I guess this is where you learn it the hard way. I’ll see you out there, just make sure to let me know which shoulder the Liberty Pro Championship will look best on me, the left or the right?

He smirks at the camera before standing up and leaving his locker room.

BACKSTAGE
After the commercial break, Liberation came back to Dante Chapel standing next to the Liberty Champion Helena Noir. The model turned interviewer, who was looking sharp as always in his expensive suit, cleared his throat before speaking.

Dante Chapel: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, Dante Chapel here with a very special guest. She likes to play hard to catch, actually I could be wrong, but I believe this is only the second time she gives an interview…

Helena nodded her head to confirm.

Dante Chapel: … so welcome my guest at this time, the Liberty Champion Helena Noir.

Noir waved her hand, forcing a slight smile.

Dante Chapel: Helena, let’s start with Kings and Queens. Our brand came out victorious when it comes to the total count of matches won, but some may argue that the War Games match held more weight than any other match on the card, and that one was won by Team GEW.

Helena Noir: People love to talk and to hear the sound of their voice, don’t they? I already said everything I had to say on the matter, I was the first to enter the match and the last to be eliminated, I outlived the GEW captain, the co-captain and the henchmen, only losing to someone much fresher than me. And before anyone says that I’m making an excuse, I’m really not. I’m mad at myself and disappointed that I got pinned by a coward like Latimer, someone who has been ducking me for over a month now, hiding himself behind the ”I’m biding my time” excuse.

Dante Chapel: A risky move, if you think of it. More so considering that he seems to be quite obsessed with taking the title from you. After tonight, that may no longer be possible…

Helena Noir: Nice try, Dante.

She interrupted the interviewer with a light chuckle.

Helena Noir: I see where this is going and while in theory you might have a point, in reality Scotty will have his shot at me. And he will fail.

Dante took a moment to let Helena’s words sink in before continuing.

Dante Chapel: Confident as always I see.

The interviewer smiled.

Dante Chapel: But I don’t need to remind you that Tyson Gregory already beat you in the past. Underestimating him could be your demise.

Helena Noir: I’m not underestimating Tyson. I’m not the one who thinks he’s overrated.

That was an obvious zinger to Ava Ryan, one that Dante didn’t miss. The interviewer raised his hand to the mouth to cover a smile as Helena continued.

Helena Noir: He got one over me, nobody is taking that away from him. He beat me clean once, it won’t happen again. Not when my title is on the line, not now that my head is in the game. I thrive under pressure, and when the stakes are highest, I rarely fail. As great as Gregory is, and I can testify that having shared the ring with him, the lightning won’t strike twice for him.

Dante Chapel: I have one last question for you Helena.

Dante spoke calmly.

Dante Chapel: And as you can imagine, it’s about the new authority figure that joined LPW after Kings And Queens, Ava Ryan.

The Liberty champion abruptly interrupted Dante.

Helena Noir: She’s not an authority figure, she’s here to supervise Jade, that’s what Nathan said, right? I don’t trust her, and most importantly I don’t trust Callaghan.
Just look at her, she’s already driving a wedge among the roster and showing bias. Unsurprisingly toward the “rebels”, the Liberty Pro superstars who sided against Liberty. Shocking, I know…

Helena rolled her eyes.

Helena Noir: I’ll be watching your every step, Ava. You’re stepping in my turf now, tread very carefully.

On those ominous words Helena left the interview.